HERITAGE

Tamilnadu has varied heritage being left as treasures by its rulers, Pallava, Chola, Vijanagara and nayaks. These heritage sites are 2000 years old and are associated with a variety of religions ranging from Hinduism, Budhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity. These sites house intricate carvings, formidable forts and frescoes and mural paintings, to name a few. Several of these sites also serve as historical evidence with inscriptions on the walls, in copper plates and palm-leaf manuscripts. 

The TamilNadu Archaeological Society and the Archaeological Survey of India maintain and protect several of these heritage sites, including the five UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely Mahabalipuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram, Tanjore Brihadeeswara temple and Nilgiri Mountain railway.

The state also has a rich heritage of weaving the finest silks and cottons. The weavers have taken inspiration from the temple sculptures and paintings for the motifs that they weave on the fabrics. A keen eye will quickly spot that the Annapakshi (mythical bird resembling a swan), Gandaberunda (the two-headed eagle signifying victory), the Rudraksha (a seed from a tree) and the Mangoes (or paisleys) woven on the exquisite Kanchipuram silks resemble the sculptures on the walls and pillars of the Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar temples of Kanchipuram.